is a plague

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a plague" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe something that is harmful or detrimental, similar to how a plague affects a population. Example: "The misinformation spreading on social media is a plague that threatens public health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Paco is a plague.

The New York Times

"native advertising," is a plague on journalism.

The New Yorker

Lyme disease is a plague.

The New York Times - Travel

The bomb is a plague of mankind".

The New York Times

Absenteeism among public employees in Italy is a plague.

The Economist

"The message is, a plague on both your houses," Mr. Seitz said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Now, they're a plague.

The New York Times

There was a plague of injuries.

The New Yorker

"There's a plague coming".

The Guardian - Film

Attenborough says, "Humans are a plague".

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a plague," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is a plague", ensure that the subject truly has widespread negative consequences. Overusing it can diminish its impact. For instance, describing a minor inconvenience as "a plague" would be inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "is a plague" to describe minor annoyances or personal preferences. This dilutes the strong negative connotation and makes your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly significant issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a plague" functions as a predicative expression, attributing a characteristic of widespread harm and negativity to a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is commonly used to describe something detrimental.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a plague" is a potent expression used to describe something widespread and severely harmful. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in writing. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its role in conveying the seriousness of various issues. While effective, it's crucial to reserve "is a plague" for genuinely significant problems to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "is a scourge" or "is a blight" can offer nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Using this phrase judiciously enhances the clarity and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a scourge

Emphasizes the aspect of widespread suffering and devastation.

is a blight

Suggests a destructive force that withers and decays.

is a pestilence

Highlights the deadly and infectious nature of something.

is a curse

Implies a supernatural or malevolent origin of the affliction.

is an epidemic

Focuses on the rapid spread and widespread impact.

is a menace

Highlights the threatening and dangerous aspect of the issue.

is a cancer

Draws a parallel to a disease that grows uncontrollably.

is a bane

Indicates a source of persistent trouble or misery.

is a disaster

Points to a sudden event that causes great damage or suffering.

is a scourge on society

Adds the specification that the negative thing affects the society as a whole.

FAQs

How can I use "is a plague" in a sentence?

You can use "is a plague" to describe something that is widespread and causing significant harm or distress. For example, "Misinformation on social media is a plague that erodes public trust".

What can I say instead of "is a plague"?

You can use alternatives like "is a scourge", "is a blight", or "is a pestilence" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something "is a plague"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something that is widespread and harmful. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

What's the difference between "is a plague" and "is a curse"?

"Is a plague" typically refers to something widespread and harmful, while "is a curse" implies a supernatural or malevolent origin. The two phrases are semantically different.